Non-native people, what language do you think in?
To people who were born speaking a language then moved to somewhere with a different language. Do you find your inner monologue speaking the new language or do you think natively and translate for speech?
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Yes, I can relate to this question. I'm originally from Sabah in northern Borneo, Malaysia, but I was born in Kuala Lumpur (Peninsular Malaysia) and raised in Perak.
The main language I've used growing up is Malay, which is Malaysia's official and most commonly spoken language. It's the language I speak daily and also the one I primarily think in. My inner monologue is mostly in Malay, though sometimes I switch to English, especially when reading, writing, or studying (I'm an IT student).
Although I’m ethnically Dusun and Rungus (indigenous groups from Sabah), I didn’t grow up speaking those native languages fluently. I’ve learned more English and Malay through school and life, and even earned a B in both. That said, I feel a strong connection to my roots and want to find ways to preserve and relearn my ancestral languages—maybe even through tech solutions.
So, to answer the question directly: I usually think in Malay, sometimes in English, and rarely in my ethnic/native languages—though I wish that were different.
I’m originally from Sabah in northern Borneo, Malaysia
Hey I've been there. Hello.
Hello.